Rings & Things Jewelry Blog

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsClip the loop off both moon charms, file smooth, and sand with a 600 grit polishing cloth.Use a dapping block to gently dome the moon charms.Soft solder each moon charm to a round filigree. Clean with dish soap and water, and dry. (You can also substitute two-part epoxy for solder. Patina parts before gluing.)Patina each moon and polish to desired finish.Use rubbing alcohol to clean parts to be assembled and adhere with adhesive dots or two-part epoxy.Free …

Created by: Rita Hutchinson Just 3 parts total: leather cord, leather-hole pearls, and a link about the size of a quarter (around 25mm). Choose from a wide variety of link options in sterling silver and gold fill.  Designer TipsDetermine finished necklace length (this piece is about 28"").Tie a double overhand knot at one end of leather. Slide all 4 pearls on the leather from the other end.Tie silver link to the other end of the leather with another double overhand knot.Settle one pear …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsOne of the things I love about this bangle bracelet, is that it's extra small, so fits me perfectly. However, that means it doesn't fit many other adults... So keep that in mind when ordering this bracelet: It's best for petite people. We also have larger plain brass bangles you can texture, punch and add eyelets to.This design uses 1 copper honeybee charm, 1 copper "small blossom" charm, 1 lotus petal charm, and 3 small small gold honeybee charm …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner TipsFor a step-by-step tutorial with images, check out the How to Create a Reliquary Pendant blog post.Cut and shape the blank: Measure and cut a brass blank 1 x 1-3/4" in size. File the blank to soften the corners.Mark and punch holes: Measure and mark the hanging holes: 3 holes, 1/8" from the top and spaced to match the holes of the triangle filigree and the wire-lashing holes; 2 holes, 1/8" from each side and 5/8" from the top. Punch holes in the marked posi …

Created by: Swarovski's Create Your Style Design TeamDesigner TipsUsing one head pin, slide on one 5844 10mm elongated baroque pearl, make a simple loop and set aside. Repeat 29 more times and set aside.For step by step instructions on making simple loops, and most secure way to open and close jump rings, see Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Using the gold chain, take one side of the chain and beginning 3" up on the chain, attach 15 pearls from step 1, one on each ring.On the other side of the gold chai …

Created by: Mollie ValenteDesigner Tips - Part 1: Prepare ComponentsDisassemble the metal mesh choker necklace and temporarily set aside the lobster clasp and metal mesh chain. For best way to open and close loops, see Jump Ring Hint in Jewelry Basics 101 (PDF).Create a 3-ring and a 4-ring section of ring & connector chain by opening and discarding end connector links. Our finished necklace has a three-ring section of chain (this is on the clasp-side of the necklace) and a four-ring section …

Learn how to polish, color and add charms to an inexpensive brass bangle bracelet and turn it into a finished salable piece of jewelry. No stamping necessary!  Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue   Designer TipsPolish bracelet with ultrafine sanding sponge. (Or drop into a tumbler with steel shot and ShineBrite for a couple hours.)Wipe thoroughly with a soft dry cloth to remove any dust, moisture or oils.Apply Stamp Enamel to words. Allow to dry for 30 seconds.Wipe off excess with a soft clo …

Created by: The Swarovski Crystal CREATE YOUR STYLE Design TeamDesigner TipsCut stringing cable into three 24"" pieces.Add a bead stopper to one end of a 24"" stringing cable. Slide on one 4mm 5328 Crystal Golden Shadow, one 6mm Rouge Pearl, one 4mm 5328 Crystal Golden Shadow, one 6mm Rouge Pearl, one 4mm 5328 Crystal Golden Shadow, one 8mm Rouge Pearl, one 4mm 5328 Crystal Golden Shadow, one 10mm Rouge Pearl, (continue pattern with only 10mm pearls for 29 more times) then slide on one 4mm 5328 …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRueDesigner TipsCast silver star beads and Bali-style flower beads make wonderful riveted accents. If a bead's hole isn't quite large enough, center the bead on the 1/16" cutting end of the Crafted Findings riveting system, and re-cut the hole. Do not pull the bead off the cutter - this can damage the cutter. Simply unscrew until the bead comes off naturally. The purple leather bracelet pictured is no longer available - but 50 other colors / sizes are! (See links below. …

Created by: Polly Nobbs-LaRue Designer TipsFor best placement of the holes, make a template: Trace the outline of the paisley on a piece of paper (a Post-it® works great!), then use a pencil to sketch a line 1/16" (2-3mm) in from the edge. Put a dot on this line at the point of the paisley, then use a ruler and put a thin pencil line every 5mm all the way along this line. When you're happy with the spacing on the template, cut the piece of paper to fit, and stick it to the top of the brass paisl …